NFL Honors 9/11 With Games In New York And D.C.

On the same day that Hitler was confirmed dead in 1945, Osama Bin Laden was killed 66 years later in an effort by the U.S. to take down the brain of Al Qaida.

It’s been almost 10 years since the Twin Towers went down in a fiery ash, since the Nation’s capital was struck by its own aircraft, and since the once unknown town of Shanksville, PA became etched into the history books that detail the events of 9/11.

The start of the day was one of the most glorious days on the east coast. Fall was right around the corner, but the sky was a deep blue that illuminated the striking sun. It was a roll-up-the-work-sleeves, take a deep breath, and feel the beat of the sun’s rays on your face kind of day.

Before the morning was half over, however, sights and sounds that come from an attack on the U.S. resonated with all of us no matter what part of the country you lived in.

In a different kind of echo on Sunday, cheers were heard around the country when Barak Obama announced that the U.S. killed Osama Bin Laden. The gatherings took place once again in New York City and Washington D.C. Flags were hoisted in celebration and remembrance, candles were lit for the same reason, and the memories of loved ones who were lost in the attack rose to the very surface of the brain.

In ten years, no one has forgotten. In ten years, the day is still a striking reminder of how fragile this country is and how devastating turmoil throughout world religion and politics can be.

In the days following 9/11, sports teams took to the field with a sense of pride in their country. American flags were hemmed on jerseys and the National Anthem prior to the game took on a whole new meaning.

As the 10th anniversary of 9/11 rolls around this September, the NFL has decided to honor the day. September 11th falls on Sunday this year which is also the league’s opening day. The New York Giants and the Washington Redskins will face eachother in D.C. this day to commemorate the events of 9/11. The New York Jets will host the Dallas Cowboys in a primetime game on Sunday evening that is sure to honor the city where such devastation took place a decade ago.

The league is doing this day right (pending the CBA issues), and honoring the country the best way it knows how.

As we sit back and watch “our” teams on September 11th, let us also pause to remember the victims and their loved ones, the men and women in service, and the real reason why our country is so lucky – It marinades in Freedom.

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